Overview

Get in touch with Madrid’s bohemian side on a 3-hour afternoon walking tour of the multicultural Lavapiés neighborhood, the city’s old Jewish quarter and home to residents of more than 80 different nationalities. Hear local legends and tales of famous figures like Velasquez and Cervantes while admiring diverse architecture, and finish with an included drink and tapa snack in the local plaza.

What To Expect

Make your way to Plaza Mayor in the afternoon to meet your guide and head for the Lavapiés neighborhood, once the center of Jewish life in the city before the late 15th century. Learn about the long history of the area, including its unusual name and evolution into one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Europe and an artistic hot spot. Soak up the cosmopolitan, yet bohemian, vibe while strolling past unique bars, ethnic eateries, and artsy theaters.

Admire diverse architectural styles spanning Baroque, Art Deco, and Modernism, and scout curiosities tucked away among the local streets and factories of Plaza de la Corrala and La Inclusa. See the vibrant exterior of the Cebada Market, a historic trading center, as well as the site of the famous El Rastro market where locals flock to shop for everything from antiques to clothing every Sunday and holiday. Cross the Plaza del Cascorro and pass by the Basilica San Isidro, the city’s main cathedral before construction of the more modern Almudena.

Hear stories of famous former Madrileños who left their mark on the area, such as the friendships and rivalries among Spanish Golden Age luminaries Velasquez, Cervantes, and Lope de Veja, plus the feats of war hero Eloy Gonzalo and composer Agustín Lara. As the sun dips toward the horizon and evening begins to fall across Madrid, rest and take in the local scene in Plaza Lavapiés with an included drink and appetizer-style tapa before saying goodbye to your guide.